Day 47: Recreational Field [Second Shift]

[vsyourface]

Scott wasn't really what one would call the sporty type, at least not currently. In the past, maybe. He could have called himself a hockey player at one point - in grade two (it totally counted). And he had been a jock in high school, hadn't he (he had at least played a lot of Track & Field for the NES, anyway)? Regardless of what his athletic

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[cmdr_exposition]

The rec field was certainly different in the daytime. Hayes was inclined to call it an improvement, what with the shortage of obviously homicidal things running around loose. Somehow, though, it wasn't as much improved as one might have thought, because knowing about the other Institute, it just looked fake. It was just different enough to set you on edge... like synthesized food, if synthesizers occasionally produced poison.

He didn't feel much like playing around. He didn't feel much like anything today, but sitting back on the sidelines and looking some more at the sky was a pretty decent option.

Hayes hadn't quite decided whether the change was more comforting or more disturbing, but at the moment he was leaning towards comforting. It meant that whatever world he was in, the planet was not completely in the possession of the enemy. It meant that, whether he personally could get there or not, there was some place somewhere that was free. It didn't mean much in the way of reasonable hope for himself, but if you could think of others, that was still something.

[For McCoy?]

[hes_deadjim]

The doctor shielded his eyes against the sun for a moment. It was like a whole 'nother world in the daylight: now that he could see it without the blackness and mist, he could see that the field itself was relatively large, well kept, and empty of this planet's native fauna. McCoy found his eyes drifting back to that place in the field where he'd first encountered the captain. Like the rest of the field, it was pristine, no torn up grass and mud, no shredded cloth, nothing. You could almost forget that a creature had attacked Jim earlier.

He had a set of medical logs and his own eyes saying otherwise. Even if the staff were seemingly devoting all their energies into covering up their own mistreatment and reckless handling of patients, he wasn't going to forget it anytime soon.

A familiar set of shoulders was nearby. It almost looked like Mr. Hayes was somehow basking in the sun.

"You almost look like you're enjoying yourself, Commander," McCoy said.

[cmdr_exposition]

Originally, Hayes had wanted to be alone- okay, he'd been sulking, he could admit that- and he still would have liked to be. Ideally. But McCoy was okay. At least, he wasn't annoying, or disquietingly removed from Earth, or so young as to set Hayes' teeth on edge with the mere fact of his being here. On the whole, if he was going to be bothered, his cellmate might as well be the one to do it.

So he waved McCoy over and kept the near-smile he'd had before. "That sounds about right," he said, "I almost am. I mean, look at it."

Objectively speaking, there wasn't a whole lot to look at; just a few wisps of cloud that didn't particularly look like anything. It might not mean anything to McCoy subjectively, either, but Hayes was in no mood to ponder cultural differences and was just going by the idea that of course blue skies were significant to Earthlings.

[hes_deadjim]

McCoy looked. He saw a blue sky, some clouds, and a gentle breeze. It reminded him of Georgia, except he remembered it being more humid. But, even so, it made all the difference when you had a wide blue sky overhead and solid ground under your feet. Certainly a nice change of pace after being cooped up in a clunking deathtrap.

All right, he was being unfair, McCoy admitted to himself. The Enterprise was a handsome ship, top of the line and with the best crew and captain a man could ask for. As homes went, he could easily do worse. The ship itself couldn't be in better hands than Scotty's. It wasn't at all some clanking garbage scow. He might appreciate living beings more but even he could see she was a beautiful vessel.

It was just sometimes nerve-wracking when there were only so many inches between you and the vacuum of space. The fact that it felt like the majority of people on board acted like the transporter was a perfectly safe form of travel didn't do much to ease his suspicions about the device. That was even before this accident.

Yes, he had to agree somewhat with the commander. It might have been beautiful if it weren't for the reality of the situation. The doctor watched Hayes out of the corner of his eye.

"I wouldn't get too comfortable. We are still here against our will."

[cmdr_exposition]

The comment had probably been meant innocently, but it stung. Hayes hadn't resigned himself to the Institute quite yet, but he had spent too many years compliant if not actually comfortable in fallow slavery. You survived, that was all. You learned that romantic, noble, doomed defiance only got innocents killed, and you either did what you'd sworn you'd never do and got used to it, or you became one of those people who took the whole "live free or die" idea literally.

There had been too many of those in the first few years. Those, and the ones who shut themselves in their houses and wouldn't come out because then they might have to see the sky. Hell, Hayes had gone through that stage himself, if only for a few days...

...and Doctor McCoy, from his free Earth, wouldn't understand any of that. So he tried to keep the defensiveness in his voice to a minimum when he said "I didn't say it was worth it."

[hes_deadjim]

Hayes might be generally pleasant, with an even temper than most people he knew but McCoy caught the trace testiness all the same. He was as human as the rest of them. He'd hit something unintentionally with his comment.

"I didn't say you thought it was worth it," he replied, an eyebrow lifted at him, consideringly. "Only that there's a very real emotional and psychological danger to being taken in by all this."

McCoy thought about leaving him be for now, but he knew that wouldn't solve it. The commander had been in a fine mood up until a few seconds ago. His presence hadn't been intrusive up until then.

It was almost easy to forget that there were (apparently) other dimensions besides that mirrored one or the one Jim and Spock came from, ones where here wasn't any Federation he knew or an Earth with a clear sky. The commander had mentioned an enslaved Earth. It was with that realization that McCoy realized he'd officially just put his foot in his mouth. He didn't know the exact specifics, and he didn't think he could understand them all either, but the commander had lived through it personally and it would definitely be a sore spot.

McCoy uncomfortably clasped his hands behind his back and looked out over the field. "I'm sorry."

[cmdr_exposition]

Obviously Hayes hadn't done as good a job keeping his annoyance to himself as he'd hoped, but the doctor was apologizing rather than getting defensive in response. Which, since he was sure he hadn't been that snappish, probably meant he'd figured out what he'd said wrong. That was a little embarrassing, actually, but nothing he couldn't deal with.

"Just don't try to lecture me on being a prisoner," he said wearily, turning his eyes back upward for what comfort he could get from it. Maybe, eventually, some overeager young spacer with a starship would turn up in it out of nowhere. It wasn't very likely, but it hadn't been very likely the first time around, either. "I've gotten very good at it."

[dual_worlds]

With each day and night that passed, Spock took whatever opportunity he could to listen to Martin Landel's announcements over the intercom. Unfortunately, most of them were rather cryptic, and provided little to no information regarding their location, or their ultimate purpose for being held captive here. The supposed system malfunctions that occurred shortly after his arrival were likely going to be the only tangible clues he'd receive from the staff for a long while.

In the meantime, it was his responsibility to get as solid of an idea of the surroundings area as possible. While their movements were restricted during the day, Spock believed it was possible to use the mundane daytime activities to his advantage in further assessing their situation. It was partly for that reason that he didn't offer any protests when the nurse suggested he join the other male patients for some recreational exercise.

As he stepped outside onto the grass, Spock took a moment to gaze out onto the field. It didn't take him long for him to locate Mr. Chekov and Dr. McCoy, although it appeared Kirk had not yet joined them. Not for the first time, Spock took a moment to briefly examine the grey garment his nurse had provided for him before escorting him outside. Like the shirt beneath it, it bore the peculiar design that appeared to be one of the institute's trademarks.

Even when he was wearing one of these "sweatshirts", however, the air was much chillier than what he was accustomed to. Still, the half Vulcan gave no outward indication of his discomfort as he approached Dr. McCoy and the man whom he recognized as Mr. Hayes, the one who had accompanied them on their rescue mission two nights ago. Instead, he gave a simple, polite nod in greeting once he'd stopped beside them.

It was possible he was interrupting something, in which case he had no issue with moving on. But the fact remained he had yet to learn more about this Hayes, nor had he gotten the chance to speak with McCoy since last night.

[hes_deadjim]

"I assure you, Mr. Hayes, it's from a completely medical standpoint," McCoy said. "But I'll keep that in mind in the future," he conceded anyway.

Maybe he should have left the commander to it. The conversation had gone from neutral, polite to awkward in a matter of moments. McCoy supposed he only had himself to blame for it. Even if he couldn't quite wrap his head around just the thought of an enslaved Earth, Hayes had lived it. Just because he didn't fully understand it, didn't mean he could just go mouthing off in front of him.

Luckily they had an interruption, because McCoy could feel it getting more uncomfortable with each passing second. Spock seemed to show up out of nowhere (the man could be far quieter than a human when he felt like it), and drew up to them. McCoy started in surprise.

For an instant, McCoy tensed as Spock settled right next to him. Seeing him so soon brought back memories of last night. Even though that mind meld business was over and done with, McCoy could feel his stomach turn over. Spock was standing too close. All he had to do was reach over--

McCoy mentally gave himself a shake. He was being ridiculous. It was just nerves; nerves brought on by what their captors had done to them, to Jim, and what they could still do. The possibilities were endless. The harsh facts of their situation weren't lost on him. He didn't even know if he was in the same galaxy as his Enterprise was. He was right in the middle of a hospital that saw fit to abuse its patients in the worst way possible. They'd drilled a hole in a patient's head, for God's sake.

Better to focus on what was going on here and now. He had to admit, a part of him was curious to see how far Mr. Hayes patience went with Spock. Had they even been formally introduced? A meeting with Jim bleeding all over him in the middle of the night could hardly be called favorable circumstances.

That settled it. A formal introduction seemed in order. It was safe enough.

The doctor's fingers, clasped together behind his back, tightened all the same.

"Nice of you to join the living, Mr. Spock," he said pointedly. It wasn't entirely true: While he'd been trying to keep an eye out for the crew and their eating habits, Spock had shown up at breakfast. He just, in McCoy's professional opinion, didn't eat enough. Bad enough Jim was doing it, but Spock, with all that superior Vulcan logic, should know better.

McCoy turned to Hayes. "Mr. Hayes, this is Commander Spock, First Officer to the Enterprise.Spock, this is Commander Hayes."

[cmdr_exposition]

Hayes resisted the impulse to say something sarcastic; after all, the last thing anyone needed in dangerous circumstances was for him to go picking a fight with someone friendly over a minor failure of tact. The VUX had been conquered that way, come to think of it, and he had no desire to follow that example.

He probably shouldn't mention that train of thought to the Admiral later. Speaking of failures of tact!

Since he wasn't going to keep arguing, Hayes cast about in his mind for something inoffensive to say. The most obvious ones seemed a little inane to him, but fortunately he was saved from having to use one by the new arrival. The one who'd seemed in charge of that rescue party he'd been caught up in the other night, if he remembered correctly. Maybe if they started a new conversation they could pretend the last five minutes hadn't happened.

The doctor seemed to be having the same thought, and made to introduce them, so Hayes got to his feet to offer the commander his hand. "It's good to meet you when no one's fleeing for their lives, Mr. Spock," he said, his neutral demeanor now settling back into place.

[dual_worlds]

Though the manner in which his body had suddenly stiffened was not entirely lost on Spock, the first officer decided it could have been the result of several factors otherwise unknown to him. Ultimately, it was McCoy's remark that was met with a brief raise of Spock's eyebrow. It would have made more sense if he had said that to him after his unfortunate incident in the hallway during his second night in Landel's, even if it wouldn't have been terribly appropriate. As it was, he chose not to give those words an outright response, and so he was satisfied to leave it at that, particularly once the doctor formally introduced him to Commander Hayes.

Initially, Spock wondered if he was from Starfleet. Once he saw Mr. Hayes get up and extend his hand out to him in a customary Human handshake, however, he realized that likely wasn't the case. After all, most Starfleet personnel were well aware of the proper way to greet Vulcans, as well as the fact that they generally had something of an aversion to unnecessary physical contact. For a brief moment, Spock coolly looked at the man's hand before giving another nod of acknowledgment.

"Indeed, Mr. Hayes," he evenly replied. "Such circumstances are hardly conducive for introductions."

[hes_deadjim]

Well wasn't that even more awkward. Maybe it was too much to expect Spock to know a little something about social grace when it came to associating with non-Vulcans. McCoy watched Spock just study that extended hand for a moment as if it was a briefly fascinating equation. He didn't take it, of course. The doctor knew full well why he didn't. He still could have handled it better, such as saying something. McCoy frowned at him.

When the explanation wasn't forthcoming, he sighed.

"Spock's a touch telepath," McCoy said as way of explanation, seeing as how the Vulcan wasn't going to even bother trying to excuse himself. Hayes didn't have that much (or any) experience with Vulcans. He didn't know why Spock thought it fair to expect him to make the adjustments that the crew of the Enterprise had made by now. At least give the man warning.

"Vulcans don't indulge in too much physical contact. Or manners."

[cmdr_exposition]

It hadn't actually occurred to Hayes that the man was anything but human. He supposed he should have been more open to the possibility, since he already knew two bodyswitched aliens, but even now that he was looking he couldn't see any of that uncomfortable awkwardness in Spock.

Not that it mattered, really. The point was that this was just a cultural issue, and even if it had been a while since Hayes had really dealt closely with aliens, he wasn't going to be thrown by something as simple as not liking to touch.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he said instead, dropping his hand again. "It's hard to tell who's not human around here."

[dual_worlds]

Spock didn't believe he'd ever been mistaken for a full-blooded Human before, particularly since it was no secret that his physiology favored his father's side. In fact, if he had known he was going to be stranded in a version of 21st century Earth beforehand, he would have taken greater measures to secure himself some sort of hat to at least make his pointed ears less apparent. Judging by Hayes' reaction, however, perhaps his appearance was not as off-putting as he would have anticipated. Or perhaps he was merely being polite. Spock couldn't discount that possibility, either.

He glanced toward McCoy during his subjective explanation. "What constitutes as manners, Doctor," he spoke, "often varies greatly from culture to culture." Although he had not accepted the handshake with his own hands, Spock did not believe he had done anything wrong, particularly since Hayes didn't appear offended.

"There is no reason for you to apologize, Mr. Hayes," he told him once he focused his attention back on the other man. "It is simply one of the many differences between Humans and Vulcans."

[hes_deadjim]

McCoy met Spock's glance and shrugged. It seemed awfully strange that Hayes didn't notice he wasn't fully human. It wasn't like a Capellan or Argelian, where you'd only be able to tell that they were alien from an internal scan. Those Vulcan ears and sharp eyebrows stuck out like a beacon. Maybe it was Hayes trying to be polite, trying to avoid bringing attention to the issue. McCoy had no problem staring at Spock's ears himself, but it figured someone meeting him for the first time would err on the side of manners.

Spock was right, of course. Despite all their arguments, there were some things the doctor tried to take note of and be respectful towards. He couldn't fully understand what it meant to be a touch telepath but he could begin to guess. Maybe the doctor liked pushing the Vulcan's buttons, but there were some things you just had to respect. This was one of them: McCoy had silently honored Spock's wish to keep physical contact to a minimum.

"Well, considering you're stuck with a shipful of us humans, I'd say majority rules," McCoy said contrarily anyway. He could feel himself relaxing, just a little. Bickering with Spock was safe ground. The discomfort at being so near Spock started to subside, but didn't completely vanish.

The doctor looked to Hayes. He went on. "There's no need to be coy, commander. Those ears stick out as badly as a pair of iron spikes in a wood picket fence," A smile tugged at his lips. "You could even say they give Mr. Spock a certain devilish charm."

[cmdr_exposition]

It was obvious the two had served together for a long time, but amusing and familiar as Hayes might otherwise have found their banter to be, a bigger surprise had occupied his attention and his surprise was evident. This was how he looked as a Vulcan? He looked even more human than a Syreen!

"They're actually not that unusual," Hayes pointed out. "For a while there was even a fashion for having that done with cosmetic surgery- supposedly it improved their hearing, personally I suspect they just thought it looked cool." He paused for a moment to consider how to put the next part. "I've just never heard of any species this similar before. Was some kind of exogenesis involved...?"